Bills Central

Bills' Ed Oliver Has Contract Message for Buffalo: 'I Don't Want to Talk!'

In a now-deleted Instagram post, Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, seemed to have made his intentions clear in regards to a new deal.

Zach Dimmitt

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The Buffalo Bills could already be losing two of their top defenders to free agency this offseason, as safety Jordan Poyer and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds are likely out the door in Orchard Park.

But the team might need to assess the 2024 free agent class as well - and quickly - if they want to make everyone happy.

And while this an impossible task in a business like the NFL, the Bills front office could begin by checking their Instagram accounts, though it might be hard to find the clues.

In a now-deleted Instagram post, Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, seemed to have made his intentions clear in regards to a new contract in Buffalo.

"Show me the money or (I don't) wanna talk!" Oliver wrote.

While the Bills could look to extend Oliver with a new deal, his potential asking price may not fit the production.

The No. 9 overall pick in 2019, Oliver has carved out a solid NFL career for himself, but has yet to reach the star-studded expectations that comes with being a top-10 selection. In four seasons, he's totaled 151 tackles, 14.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and 11 passes defended. 

He clearly has the vote of confidence from coach Sean McDermott.

"I've seen him develop, on the field, off the field," McDermott said at the NFL Combine. "Last season ... I thought he affected the quarterback maybe more so than his sack production would show."

However, even McDermott's wording didn't seem to hide the potential uncertainty that surrounds Oliver's future in Buffalo this offseason and headed into the 2023 campaign.

"Whether it's Ed or anybody along our defensive line, that's a huge position for us," he said.

As the cliche goes, it's business first in the NFL. And though the Bills would likely love to keep their top pick from 2019, including him in a potential trade before he enters the final season of his rookie contract could be for the greater benefit of the team.

You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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Zach Dimmitt
ZACH DIMMITT

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